2 missing members put legislation on hold

Jim BrewerPublished: July 6, 2006 12:00AM

ByJIMBREWER
T-G Staff Writer
LOUDONVILLE- With two of its six members absent, Loudonville Village Council could not take action on six pieces of legislation on its agenda for Wednesdays meeting.
And because at least one of those items involves pressing business, namely the 2006 summer street paving program, council may have to call a special meeting to pass it, or all legislation.
In addition to the street paving, other ordinances up for consideration were the contract for use of streets, parks and alleyways with the Loudonville Fair Board for the 2006 fair; a supplemental appropriation of funds; authorization to sell unclaimed vehicles whose titles were not ready for the village auction last month; restructuring of village sewer rates; and the annual investment ($10,000 last year) in the Mohican Area Growth Foundation Inc.
I know Roy Wilson, maintenance supervisor, wanted to get the paving done in March, but if we delay implementation of the street paving ordinance, it may delay that happening, law director Tom Gilman explained.
According to the rules of council, five of the six council members must approve suspending the rules to pass legislation as emergency measures, so it can be implemented immediately. With the two members absent this was impossible, so all legislation had to be delayed.
Member Kent Schaffer had advised village financial officer Sandy Lavengood he would be on vacation this week. But Lavengood said Councilman Bert MacQueen had notified her earlier in the day he also would be unavailable.
In other business, council approved spending an additional $1,900 to complete repairs on the 1998 Ford Explorer police cruiser. It already had made nearly $2,200 work in engine repairs when the repair dealer, Cal Hans Ford in Loudonville, determined the additional work was needed. Council approved this by a 3-1 vote, with member Bill Porter opposing it.
Porter also asked for an update on the status of a junk pile built up on the alley between Loudon and Burwell Avenue, and was advised the property owner had been notified and agreed to clean up the mess. Porter also reported of unrepaired chuck holes on North Wood Street.
Mayor Stewart Zody reported the survey work had been done on the possible relocation of Cherry Alley on the north side of the village.
Zody also extended thanks to local auctioneer Wayne Dessenberg for conducting the auction of village equipment last month, doing so at no charge. Dessenberg is sympathetic to village needs, having served for several years as a council member.
Lavengood reported the village safety committee will meet with Samaritan Hospital officials July 13 at 8:30 a.m. to be appraised of the services provided by its AIMS clinic.
Gilman reported he pulled a proposed ordinance on assessing the bed tax on establishments of five units of less after learning of some concerns on the legislation.
Councils next regular meeting is July 17 at 7 p.m. at the Loudonville Fire Department.